NORTH TEXAS - Existing home sales in North Texas rose 21 percent in September as sales for 2013 continue to far outpace last year’s performance.

For the first nine months, 69,256 homes were sold in North Texas, which is 11,852 more than during the first nine months of 2012, a 20 percent increase, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. The center compiles sales numbers from the Multiple Listing Service used by real estate agents.

In September 2013, 7,382 homes were sold. The median price rose 9 percent to $175,000. Year-to-date, the average median price rose 10 percent, to $174,500. On average, homes are listed for 52 days before selling in September, down 25 percent from a year ago, the report said.

In Tarrant County, sales were strongest in far southeast and far southwest Arlington and Hurst. Condo sales in downtown Fort Worth also rose considerably.